Retro Pillow Challenge

Pillows, Pillows.   I was asked by Rikka from Ricochet and Away if I wanted to be in a Pillow Challenge.  Of course I signed up for it.  Not only because Rikka is seriously talented but because it sounded like fun and I had been thinking of redoing the pillows in our living room for a while.  If there is one thing I have learned about my self lately it is that I need  a deadline.  So this came at a great time.

Here are the guidelines:

Project: Pillow cover, approx 50x50 cm (20 x 20 inches)
Design: Retro style squares/rectangles with rounded corners, optional circle in the center. See our retro pattern inspiration gallery for a design ideas.
Color scheme: whatever you like!
Techniques: Use at least one of the following: Quilting, Applique, Reverse Applique (hand stitched and/or machine stitched)
Voting: Anyone can vote via a poll that will be posted on the sidebar.
Prizes: Winner(s) receive bragging rights and a super-neato badge of honor!


At first I wasn't sure that a "retro" pillow would go with my living room.  But look at my curtains!

 They are exactly what the guidelines are talking about. Squares with rounded corners.  So they are my main inspiration.


These are the fabrics I have picked up so far.

This is my practice square.  I think it turned out ok other than the stitch I used.  It needs a more plain stitch.  9 of these on a pillow could be cute.

I also started working on this one.  I am machine quilting around the circles.  I can't decide if I like it or not.  However the thread I forgot to clip is driving my nuts!

Hubby told me this weekend I better get going on the challenge.
"Because you know you will end up making three before you like one."
 Sometimes it is scary how well he knows me.

So what do you think?  Good, bad, ugly, don't care? 

I am pretty far out of my comfort zone here.  I can follow a pattern but to design and make one all on my own is not what I am used to.

There is still time to enter the challenge.  Your pillow doesn't have to be done until the end of the month.  So if you would like to challenge your self and get out of your comfort zone for a while you should join in.

If you would like to see all the participants or enter you can go here.

And if you get a chance you should check out Rikka and Karen the Hostess for the challenge.  They both have great blogs and are so talented and sweet!

Thanks for hangin' out .